Tag Archives:
Newell Stadium

Yesterday the Gloucester High School Film Club uploaded a short video documenting the demolition of Newell Stadium from the fall of 2012. It really is worth taking 4 minutes to watch. Check it out here:

Shaun Goulart

Social Studies Teacher
Gloucester High School

Editor’s Note From Joey:

You know I scheduled this post before watching the video and then went back and viewed it. I didn’t think about it til the scenes were unfolding but what history those stands held. As a player or as a spectator. All those beams and seats supporting the crowds throughout the years being dismantled. I’m sure it held a ton of great memories for people. Thanks to the GHS Film club for documenting the demolition.

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The Renewal of Newell Stadium hits the finish line, with a helicopter fly-by, rising of the flag, ribbon cutting and a very review of all the athletic teams, a day of celebration, and Gloucester has won every game played on the New Balance Field at Newel Stadium. ABSOUTLY PERFECT !!

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Hi Joey: I talked to my friend Dick Wilson the other day, requesting a progress report on the Newell Stadium construction. (see download of pictures below). Things are progressing according to schedule and the entire facility should be ready sometime next summer. This is a big deal for Gloucester, and for the first time in my life our h.s. athletic facility is getting a first class "the best" up grading possible. Gloucester will have the premier athletic facility on the North Shore. The committee is also planning an appropriate dedication ceremony, maybe in the early fall of 2013. It should be fun.

Ron Gilson

Dick Wilson suggested I provide you an update on the Renewal of Newell – also known as New Balance Track & Field at Newell Stadium. Dick’s passionate about this facility as a symbol that Gloucester supports our children and schools.

The construction has been on schedule. Demolition has been done, the site regraded, a new storm drain line installed and foundations for the new athletic field lights have been set. If we can get a stretch of dry weather in the 40’s we may even be able to lay the foundation for the bleachers before January. Things will really shape-up in ~mid-March when the new bleachers will be erected and the preparation for the new turf begins.

The City has committed $298,000 in Community Preservation funds towards the project. As Dick may have mentioned, the GFAA continues its push to raise the last ~$100,000 in funds to revamp the scoreboard and other amenities to create a top-notch facility. There’s still opportunities for folks to donate either immediately or through a three-year pledge. People can contact http://www.gloucesterathletics.org/newell-stadium/

Stephen Winslow

Gloucester Community Development Department

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The GHS Film Club is working on a documentary on Newell Stadium, it’s history, it’s legacy and the rebuilding. As an advisor with Shaun Goulart, I am reaching out to the community for the students who will be working on the project. This is going to be a student made film that we are hoping will involve the community. With your community involvement, I am hoping you will be able to help us recruit people who are willing to help us with the film. We are looking for people to interview (such as coaches and players), people with footage of events at the stadium and any other community members who might be able to help. This is more than a film about a football field, it is more about a community and how the stadium is such an integral part of that community. I know you have a lot of people who follow your blog and I am hoping we can get you to help get them to help us.

Last night I stopped down for the Luminaria ceremony of the Relay for Life at Gloucester High School in the Newell Stadium. On one hand, I wanted to be there in memory of friend and family members who have died from cancer (including my maternal grandmother and a high school classmate). On the other, I knew it would be a great opportunity for some inspirational photography…

“Simple white luminaria bags are transformed and illuminated after dark at every local Relay For Life event. Each one is personalized with the name, photo, message or drawing in memory or honor of a friend or loved one who has been affected by cancer. Each luminaria candle represents a person. They are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, coworkers and so much more!

As the sun sets at a Relay For Life event, luminaria lining the track illuminate the night and a hush falls over the event that had been filled with the sounds of celebration. Relay For Life participants, survivors and caregivers then gather together for the Luminaria Ceremony to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to honor those who have battled the disease.

As participants walk the track lined with luminara bags in reflection, a caregiver who has lost a loved one may find comfort from a fellow caregiver who has faced a similar loss. Meanwhile, a survivor gains hope and strength from others who have followed the same journey and survived. All resolve to keep fighting to save more lives so no more luminaria bear the names of those lost to the disease.”

I don’t know the details of how the relay works, but there are clearly different teams who are camping out. They set up campsites with different themes and decorations. Here are a couple:

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The Gloucester Fishermen Athletic Association is closing in on its fundraising efforts for the Renewal of Newell Stadium. On March 24th, there will be an event at the Elks at Bass Rocks to help bring us closer to the goal line. The live auction will be run by professional auctioneer, Walt Kolenda. There will also be a silent auction with nearly 100 items!

The GFAA is extremely grateful to the Gloucester community for its generosity to date and for its acknowledgement of the importance of rebuilding the recreational facility for the benefit of its student athletes as well as for the entire community. Some featured items: Original artwork by Mary Ann Wenniger, Phil Cusumano, Natalie Daley, David Sears, Fred Kepler, Mace Wenniger Antique furniture

Launching its fund-raising effort to restore the Greasy Pole and its pier — damaged during Tropical Storm Irene, then dumped onto its side by high winds and tides Sept. 30 — the St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee is offering 120 people the chance to walk the pole during a program planned that day for Gloucester High School’s Newell Stadium.

"Out of the whole Greasy Pole structure, we were able to save the actual walking pole," said St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee President Joe Novello, whose group is seeking to raise $85,000 to fully cover the construction, permit fees and other costs connected with restoring one of Fiesta’s centerpieces. The drive has already received a $35,000 lift from The Boston Foundation, Novello said.

In the Nov. 12 benefit, the pole and its flag will be extended from a flatbed truck some 3 to 4 feet off the ground, with rubber padding beneath it to cushion the inevitable falls. And the first 120 people who sign up and cough up the $25 donation will get to walk the pole, in three groups of 40, Novello said.

Rockport National Bank is proud to support the efforts of the Gloucester Fishermen Athletic Association with a donation of $10,000 toward the renovation of Newell Stadium.

“Rockport National Bank has been a long time supporter of the GFAA, whether it be as a sponsor of the Triathlon or sign advertising along the fields. To date, the $10,000 from Rockport National Bank is the largest corporate donation to the Newell Renovation Fund”, states Tim Philpott, of the GFAA.

Rockport National Bank has been committed to the Cape Ann community since 1851. The Bank has three full service locations in Gloucester and Rockport. For additional information visit their website at www.RockportNational.com.

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Mayor Kirk recognizes Dick Wilson co-president of the Gloucester Fishermen’s Athletic Association and his wife Barbra for all the work they are doing, and in addition a birthday celebration and a 50th year wedding anniversary. Congratulation Dick and Barbara.

Click on photo below and view a slide_show of all the supporters that came to “The Renewal of Newell,” at Crusieport last night.

Gloucester Webcam

The GloucesterCast Podcast

Free GMG Gloucester Sticker

As long as supplies last if any GMG folks want a bumper sticker but can't drop down the dock, just send a self addressed and stamped envelope longer then 7 and a half inches and I'll drop one in the mail for you.

Send the self addressed and stamped envelope to the dock at 95 East Main St Gloucester Ma 01930 care of Joey (put my name in big letters to make sure it gets to me)

Free GMG Gloucester Sticker

As long as supplies last if any GMG folks want a bumper sticker but can't drop down the dock, just send a self addressed and stamped envelope longer then 7 and a half inches and I'll drop one in the mail for you.

Send the self addressed and stamped envelope to the dock at 95 East Main St Gloucester Ma 01930 care of Joey (put my name in big letters to make sure it gets to me)